Webinars and virtual events are gaining a lot of momentum among businesses. It is because they do not pose logistics and environmental problems associated with in-person events.
Both these events are online events that connect people. However, there are some critical differences between webinars and virtual events and we elaborate them below.
Definition.
Webinars are online seminars where attendees listen to a webinar host. A webinar is short for web seminar and is characterized by a limited time. Webinars are also limited to just one seminar.
On the other hand, a virtual event is a replication of a physical event. Virtual events can also include webinars among the sessions. Virtual events can consist of multiple sessions and presentations. They can even run into a couple of days.
Tools and mediums.
In a webinar, the presentation is transmitted through PowerPoint slides, screen share, and webcam. Other characteristic features of webinars include Q&A sessions and polls. Webinars do not involve social media integration.
Virtual events also involve presentations but on a larger scale. They typically involve discussion rooms, interaction via virtual booths, and webinars. Attendees also have the option to visit exhibitor booths from global participants and even interact with brand representatives from across the globe. Social media integration is also a huge part of virtual events.
Level of interaction.
The level of interaction in a webinar is limited. The audience can interact with the webinar host and ask questions to certain extend.
On the contrary, attendees in a virtual event have unlimited amount of interaction as long as they are willing. This is the reason why virtual events provide excellent opportunities for real-time networking.
Flexibility.
The audience in a webinar does not have as much flexibility as those in a virtual event. It is because event organizers employ management tools in a virtual event but rarely in a webinar.
Another factor that makes virtual events more flexible is that it involves multiple options for attendees, but a webinar is a solo session.
What is it good for?
Webinars are essentially standalone presentations, which make it great for brand awareness, making sales without really pushing your audience too hard and reaching a global audience very effortlessly. However, webinars are primarily designed for workshops, training sessions, and internal meetings.
On the other hand, a virtual event is ideal for trade shows, industry conferences, virtual expos, and virtual open days. Virtual events are an excellent choice for hosting conferences and other types of event especially when attendees are restricted by time and space in the Coronavirus pandemic.